Radio-Locator Help Page
Carrier Current AM Radio
This is a system where an AM radio signal is modulated onto
the AC power wiring inside a building. The entire electrical wiring
grid of the building acts as a transmitting antenna. The system
uses very low power so the range is typically less than a hundred feet, but
the station can usually be picked up on any AM radio that is within
the interior of that building.
This system is often used on college campuses because the intended
audience is mostly within a building or a set of buildings. Because
this system uses such low power, the FCC does not require that these
types of stations be licensed.
Many campus radio stations have upgraded their carrier current systems to
Leaky Cable FM systems
because the FM systems have much better sound quality.
For more information on Carrier Current stations, check
out the FCC's web site.
